What are the signs & symptoms of post laminectomy syndrome?

Post laminectomy syndrome is defined as pain that is isolated to the neck and back following a laminectomy. A laminectomy is back surgery that is intend to repair nerve roots and relieve pressure from a disc herniation.

The intent of surgery is good, but sometimes the surgery fails and results in more pain. When this happens a person is sometimes diagnosed with post laminectomy syndrome because the surgery resulted in a more severe injury.

Chronic back and leg pain

The Southwest Pain Care Center says post laminectomy syndrome, also called failed back surgery causes painful symptoms resulting in chronic back and leg pain. Some people develop more problems after surgery because the area that was operated on was not the real source of the pain.

Pain in the back and surrounding nerves often causes a person to have difficulty sleeping. The condition often makes it harder to be mobile and do physical activity. Some people will develop chronic back and leg pain as a result of the surgery.

Depression and Anxiety

The Southwest Pain Center says, depression after surgery is another sign of post laminectomy syndrome. A person may become depressed because the surgery failed and now their pain is worse.

The decision to go under the knife is a major life changing choice that could result in a positive or negative out come. Anxiety is also another problem caused by the major disappointment of failed surgery and fear of continuing pain. Pressure

Another symptom of post laminectomy syndrome is pressure in the spine and neck. The pressure often feels like an accumulation of fluid and tension in the spine.

A person with this condition may experience more than one symptom. Physical therapy may be helpful for some people.

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Sarah Ince, owner of www.naturalfamily.typepad.com is a freelance writer living in Chandler, Arizona. She has written hundreds of articles for the web. Her work has also been published in Boating Times Long Island Magazine and Community Connections News.